24.02.2026
The Volt faction in the Römer expressly welcomes magistrate’s proposal M22/26 for the promotion of business successions in the skilled trades. With this proposal, which is up for a vote in today’s Economic Committee, the city is sending an important signal for the preservation of craft businesses, apprenticeships, and local value creation in Frankfurt.
“In Frankfurt, there are around 7,400 small and medium-sized craft businesses that form the economic backbone of many districts and possess valuable know-how. At the same time, many of these businesses face a generational change in the coming years. Numerous owners are reaching retirement age, while suitable successors are lacking. Without targeted support, there is a threat of business closures, the loss of jobs and apprenticeships, as well as a decline in the local availability of craft services,” said Johannes Hauenschild, economic policy spokesperson for the Volt faction in the Römer.
This is exactly where the funding guideline comes in. For the first time, it creates a comprehensive instrument that takes into account various aspects of a successful business takeover. In addition to a grant towards the purchase price of a craft business, the city specifically supports the takeover of existing employment and apprenticeship relationships with an employment bonus. Furthermore, investments in the modernization and digitalization of the businesses are promoted in order to position acquired companies for long-term competitiveness. Additionally, qualification measures for those taking over can also be subsidized, for example, for professional development or the strengthening of entrepreneurial competencies.
“The fact that this proposal is now available is also a result of Volt’s parliamentary work. With budget motion E247/24, we pointed out the need for action regarding succession in the skilled trades at an early stage and initiated a concrete financial basis for the funding,” Johannes Hauenschild concluded.
